Universal cancer vaccine

ABSTRACT

Described herein are compositions of matter and methods for treating cancer. The compositions comprise altered human telomerase polypeptides containing T cell epitopes that have been altered to increase immunogenicity. The methods comprise administration of the polypeptides or nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA encoding the polypeptides, to individuals afflicted with, or at risk of, developing cancer.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/298,956 filed on Feb. 23, 2016; 62/320,440 filed on Apr. 8, 2016; and 62/341,771 filed on May 26, 2016; all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Mar. 28, 2017 is named 50029701201_SL.txt and is 39,970 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a constitutive self-tumor antigen and a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. In the past immunotherapy trials targeting TERT have failed to deliver on the promise of TERT as an immunotherapy target. For example, of 25 clinical studies performed using TERT as an antigen to induce an anti-tumor immune response, an objective clinical response has been shown in only 2 studies, and even then, with an overall response rate of less than 20%.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is a component of telomerase, the unique cellular enzyme that synthesizes the tandem 5′-TTAGGG-3′ exonucleotide repeats of telomeric DNA by reverse transcription of its own RNA template (TERC). The discovery of telomerase and telomerase-mediated extension of telomeric DNA solved both the end-replication problem, i.e., the mechanism by which telomeric DNA is maintained, and the end-protection problem. Human TERT is a self-antigen that consists of ˜1130 amino acids. In humans, telomerase activity by the canonical telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay is detected in >85% of tumors of various histological type, but not in normal tissues.

Tolerance is one major determinant in the development of one's individual immune response, and a major obstacle to develop immunotherapy to self-antigens such as telomerase. During ontogeny, tolerance shapes the repertoire by eliminating high affinity T cell precursors and sparing low affinity T cell precursors. Tumor growth can also promote peripheral tolerance if antigen-presenting cells activate T cells in the absence of costimulatory molecules (signal 2). In addition, certain T cell specificities may be lost over time due to senescence and exhaustion, or by remodeling cancer cell immunogenicity by immune editing.

Cellular responses to antigen by B and T cells are largely dictated by the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) present on an individual's cell surface. Intracellular antigens (e.g., viral proteins, self-proteins) are processed intracellularly, generally by the proteasome, to yield 8-10 amino acid polypeptides. 8-10-mers are loaded onto MHC class I HLA subtype A, B and C molecules for presentation to cytotoxic CD 8⁺ T cells. These cytotoxic T cells can then recognize and destroy cells carrying organisms (e.g., viruses) that express the protein. There are thousands of different HLA alleles split between the A, B and, C locus. These alleles are grouped into different types with designations such as A2 or B44. Some types are more common than others, with the A2 type being the most prevalent.

SUMMARY

Telomerase is expressed at many stages of tumor development, as shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, telomerase promoter mutations are seen in many different cancer types. See FIG. 2. Thus telomerase is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention including, among others, vaccination with the polypeptides described herein. Alternatively, T cells can be stimulated ex vivo or in vivo by antigen presenting cells loaded with T cell response epitopes derived form the altered human telomerase polypeptides described herein. By altering a low affinity T cell epitope to promote binding to a particular HLA as shown in FIG. 3A it is possible to circumvent the problem of tolerance as previously described. FIG. 3B illustrates that this approach is feasible for a polypeptide corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 13 which substitutes an arginine for tyrosine mutation at p1 of the polypeptide that binds to HLA-A2 (position 572 of wild type telomerase).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 (two different not limiting schematics of an altered human telomerase polypeptide), telomerase possess several potential HLA binding polypeptides (rectangles) that can be altered (black squares) to bind to HLA with a much stronger affinity than the wild type version. If administered with a T cell helper epitope (diamonds), e.g., by engineering such an epitope into the altered telomerase, the altered telomerase peptides can induce a CD8⁺ T cell response. Because these peptides originally bind to various HLA alleles with low to medium affinity the endogenous CD 8⁺ T cell repertoire against them is not yet tolerized. Administering an altered telomerase that has one or more altered polypeptides will activate and expand these untolerized T cells leading to an immune response to telomerase expressing (e.g., cancer) cells.

Described herein, are compositions and methods useful for the immunotherapy of cancer using altered telomerase or altered telomerase polypeptides as an antigen. The compositions are useful because they break tolerance to the self-antigen telomerase, and because they are capable of prompting a response in individuals of differing HLA haplotype. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises one or more HLA binding polypeptides, derived from human telomerase, which have been altered from their naturally occurring sequence to impart increased immunogenicity. These altered polypeptides are generally subdominant, and as such, T cells responsive to them have not been tolerized. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are administered separately or as a single larger polypeptide. In certain, embodiments, the polypeptides are administered with a T helper epitope, adjuvant, or ligand for an innate immune activating molecule, such as a Toll-like receptor (TLR) or NOD-like receptor (NLR). Also described herein, are nucleic acids that encode telomerase and T helper cell polypeptides including RNAs.

In certain embodiments, described herein is, a polypeptide comprising at least one sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least two different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least three different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least five different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least ten different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least seven different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27, wherein each of the seven different sequences binds a different human leukocyte antigen selected from the group consisting of A1, A2, A3, A11, A24, B3, B7 and B44. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a non-human T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises tetanus toxoid. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 20 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 50 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 100 amino acids. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule encodes the polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide is bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the polypeptide and an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the polypeptide and a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the polypeptide and a non-human T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises tetanus toxoid. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In another embodiment, described herein, is an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least two amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least three amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least five amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least ten amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least two-fold. In certain embodiments, at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least five-fold. In certain embodiments, at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises tetanus toxoid. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule encodes the altered human telomerase polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the altered human telomerase polypeptide is bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and a non-human T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises tetanus toxoid. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In another embodiment, described herein, is an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least two-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid alteration increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least five-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid alteration increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule encodes the altered human telomerase polypeptide. In certain embodiments, a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the altered human telomerase polypeptide is bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, described herein, is a composition that comprises the altered human telomerase polypeptide and a non-human T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises tetanus toxoid. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method for treating an individual with cancer the method comprising administering to an individual with cancer a polypeptide comprising at least one sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least two different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least three different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least five different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least ten different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least seven different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27, wherein each of the seven different sequences binds a different human leukocyte antigen selected from the group consisting of A1, A2, A3, A11, A24, B3, B7 and B44. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a non-human polypeptide comprising a T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 20 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 50 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 100 amino acids. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule is administered that encodes the polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the cancer is of hematological origin. In certain embodiments, the individual in need has a telomerase positive cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of bladder cancer, liver cancer, glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, a cancer of the thymus, cancer of the thyroid, and kidney cancer. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a non-human T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method for treating an individual with cancer comprising administering to an individual with cancer an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least two amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least three amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least five amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least ten amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least two-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least five-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule is administered that encodes the altered human telomerase polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the cancer is of hematological origin. In certain embodiments, the individual in need has a telomerase positive cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of bladder cancer, liver cancer, glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, a cancer of the thymus, cancer of the thyroid, and kidney cancer. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a non-human T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method for treating an individual with cancer the method comprising administering to the individual with cancer an altered human telomerase polypeptide at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least two-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid alteration increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least five-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid alteration increases the binding affinity of an 8-10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human polypeptide comprising a T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule is administered that encodes the altered human telomerase polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the cancer is of hematological origin. In certain embodiments, the individual in need has a telomerase positive cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of bladder cancer, liver cancer, glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, a cancer of the thymus, cancer of the thyroid, and kidney cancer. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering a non-human T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method of preparing a cancer treatment the method comprising admixing a polypeptide comprising at least one sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least two different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least three different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least five different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least ten different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least seven different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27, wherein each of the seven different sequences binds a different human leukocyte antigen selected from the group consisting of A1, A2, A3, A11, A24, B3, B7 and B44. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a non-human T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 20 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 50 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 100 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the method comprises admixing a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises admixing a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing a non-human a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method of preparing a cancer treatment the method comprising admixing a composition comprising an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to that set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, comprising at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least two amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least three amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least five amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least ten amino acid substitutions that are at positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least two-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least five-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of an A, B, or C type by at least ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the method comprises admixing a nucleic acid molecule encoding the altered human telomerase polypeptide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises admixing a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing a non-human a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method of preparing a cancer treatment the method comprising admixing an altered human telomerase polypeptide at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is at least 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to v the at least one amino acid alteration increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least five-fold. In certain embodiments, the at least one amino acid alteration increases the binding affinity of an 8 to 10 amino acid polypeptide derived from the altered human telomerase polypeptide to at least one human leukocyte antigen of the A, B, or C type by at least ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human polypeptide comprising a T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the method comprises admixing a nucleic acid molecule encoding the altered human telomerase polypeptide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the method comprises admixing a complex comprising at least 8 contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing a Toll-like receptor ligand. In certain embodiments, the treatment further comprises admixing a non-human a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55, and combinations thereof, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method of treating cancer comprising transfecting an antigen presenting cell ex vivo with a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide of any of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell.

In certain embodiments, described herein, is a method of treating cancer comprising administering an antigen presenting cell that has been transfected ex vivo with a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide of any of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, greater than 1×10⁶ cells are administered. In certain embodiments, the cells are administered intravenously.

In a certain aspect provided herein, is a polypeptide comprising at least two sequences set forth in any one of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least seven different sequences of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27, wherein each of the seven different sequences binds a different human leukocyte antigen selected from the group consisting of A1, A2, A3, A11, A24, B3, B7, and B44. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a non-human T cell helper epitope, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a total length of at least 20 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises ribonucleic acid (RNA). In certain embodiments, at least eight contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide is bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is for use in treating an individual with cancer.

In a certain aspect provided herein, is an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polynucleotide comprises ribonucleic acid (RNA). In certain embodiments, at least eight contiguous amino acids of the altered human telomerase polypeptide is bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide further comprises an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is for use in treating an individual with cancer.

In a certain aspect provided herein, is an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1.In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is encoded by a polynucleotide. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polynucleotide comprises ribonucleic acid (RNA). In certain embodiments, at least eight contiguous amino acids of the altered human telomerase polypeptide is bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide further comprises an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient. In certain embodiments, the altered human telomerase polypeptide is for use in treating an individual with cancer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing that telomerase is expressed at many different stage of cancer progression.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing that many different types of cancers are caused by mutations in the telomerase promotor set forth in SEQ ID No: 56.

FIG. 3A shows a graphical depiction illustrating that peptides that naturally bind MHC Class I HLA subtypes with low affinity possess a T cell repertoire that has not been deleted or tolerized.

FIG. 3B shows flow cytometry data of tetramer staining of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This data shows that immunization with an altered peptide can expand a CD 8+ T cell repertoire that cross reacts with the naturally occurring peptide.

FIG. 4 is a non-limiting schematic of an altered telomerase peptide, depicting a plurality of altered epitopes, and an integrated non-human T cell helper epitope able to bind a plurality of human MHC class II HLA types.

FIG. 5 is a second non-limiting schematic of an altered telomerase peptide, depicting a plurality of altered epitopes, and an integrated non-human T cell helper epitope able to bind a plurality of human MHC class II HLA types.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a polypeptide comprising at least one sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a method for treating an individual with cancer the method comprising administering to an individual with cancer a polypeptide comprising at least one sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a method for treating an individual with cancer comprising administering to an individual with cancer an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a method for treating an individual with cancer the method comprising administering to the individual with cancer an altered human telomerase polypeptide at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of preparing a cancer treatment the method comprising admixing a polypeptide comprising at least one sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, or SEQ ID NO: 27, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of preparing a cancer treatment the method comprising admixing a composition comprising an altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 90% identity to that set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, comprising at least one amino acid substitution that is at position R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of preparing a cancer treatment the method comprising admixing an altered human telomerase polypeptide at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, or combination thereof.

Certain Definitions

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments provided may be practiced without these details. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Further, headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed embodiments.

As used herein the term “about ” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 10%, 5%, or 1%.

As used herein “antigen ” refers to a molecule capable of inducing an adaptive immune response in the host organism.

As used herein “epitope” refers to the part of an antigen, protein, or polypeptide that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cell receptors, or T cell receptors.

As used herein “immunological adjuvant” refers to any substance that can be administered with an antigen to increase the immune response in response to that antigen.

As used herein “T cell helper epitope” refers to a polypeptide capable of stimulating a CD4⁺ T cell to secrete immunostimulatory factors (e.g., cytokines, chemokines) and improve the immunogenicity of antigens with regard to B cell, CD4⁺ T cell and/or cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cell responses.

Altered Telomerase Polypeptides

In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter. SEQ ID NO: 1 corresponds to the amino acid sequence of wild type human telomerase protein. In certain embodiments, described herein, the composition is an altered telomerase polypeptide that has been altered from the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide that has been altered from the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, has been altered in a way to increase immunogenicity of one or more T cell epitopes derived therefrom. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to correspond to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to possess 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to possess 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to possess 97% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to possess 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to possess 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide has been altered to possess 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29 comprises one or more T cell helper epitopes that have been inserted into the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29, or at the N or C-terminal ends, possibly joined by a flexible linker. In a further embodiment, the altered telomerase polypeptide may comprise truncations or deletions of amino acid residues that do not interfere with a T cell epitope.

In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter. In certain embodiments, the composition of matter is an altered telomerase polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the alteration occurs at any one or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, P1020, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any two or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any three or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any four or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any five or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any six or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any seven or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any eight or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any nine or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any ten or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any fifteen or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any twenty or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the alteration of SEQ ID NO: 1 occurs at any twenty-five or more of positions R19, L22, R132, L152, D444, K492, E555, L556, T564, R572, R577, D637, L675, E727, R742, T765, R811, L840, G847, T874, L940, K981, V997, or P1020. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide retains 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide retains 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide retains 97% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide retains 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide retains 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptide comprises a T cell helper epitope that has been inserted into the polypeptide sequence. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted at the N-terminus. In certain embodiments, the T helper epitope is inserted at the C-terminus. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted in any region of the altered telomerase polypeptide that does not disrupt any T cell epitope listed as SEQ ID NO: 2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted in the altered telomerase polypeptide somewhere between amino acids 140 and 440. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted in the altered telomerase polypeptide somewhere between amino acids 500 and 550. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted in the altered telomerase polypeptide somewhere between amino acids 770 and 810. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a non-human polypeptide derived from a virus, bacteria, or parasite. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a sequence from the tetanus toxoid protein. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a T cell helper epitope that is a separate polypeptide from the altered telomerase polypeptide. In a further embodiment, the altered telomerase polypeptide may comprise truncations or deletions of amino acid residues that do not interfere with a T cell epitope.

HLA Binding Properties of Altered Telomerase Peptides

In certain embodiments, amino acid alterations in SEQ ID NO: 1 produce polypeptides that increase binding affinity to an HLA molecule. In certain embodiments, an alteration increases binding of an altered peptide to an HLA molecule by two-fold. In certain embodiments, an alteration increases binding of an altered peptide to an HLA molecule by five-fold. In certain embodiments, an alteration increases binding of an altered peptide to an HLA molecule by ten-fold. In certain embodiments, the HLA molecule is any one or more of types A1, A2, A3, A11, A24, B7 and B44.

In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter. In certain embodiments, the composition of matter is a polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any one or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27 (also referred to as SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27 for brevity), or any combination thereof. Table 1 shows SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27 and the HLA type bound by each. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any two or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any three or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any four or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any five or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any six or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any seven or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any eight or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any nine or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any ten or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any fifteen or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any twenty or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises any twenty-five or more amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide does not comprise SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide does not comprise SEQ ID NO: 13.

In certain embodiments, the poly peptide comprises any two or more sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27, further comprising amino acid linkers in between each polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the linker sequence is engineered to promote proper cleave by the cell during processing of the polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the linker is at least five amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the linker is at least seven amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the linker is at least ten amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 20 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 30 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 40 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 50 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 100 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 150 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is at least 200 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is less than 500 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is less than 400 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is less than 300 amino acids in length.

In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27, and a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted at the N-terminus. In certain embodiments, the T helper epitope is inserted at the C-terminus. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted in any region of the polypeptide that does not disrupt another T cell epitope set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a non-human polypeptide derived from a virus, bacteria, or parasite. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30 to SEQ ID NO: 55. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a sequence from the tetanus toxoid protein. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a T cell helper epitope that is separate polypeptide from the altered telomerase polypeptide.

In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises all polypeptides known to bind a given HLA type. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises A1 binders SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 21. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises A2 binders SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 25. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises A3 binders SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 26, and SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises A11 binders SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 17, and SEQ ID NO: 18. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises A24 binders SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, and SEQ ID NO: 24. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises B7 binders SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID NO: 23. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises B44 binders SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 9, and SEQ ID NO: 24.

In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least seven different sequences, wherein each of the seven different sequences binds a different human leukocyte antigen selected from the group consisting of A1, A2, A3, A11, A24, B3, B7 and B44. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises one A1 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 21; one A2 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 20, and SEQ ID NO: 25; one A3 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 26, and SEQ ID NO: 27; one A11 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 17, and SEQ ID NO: 18; one A24 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, and SEQ ID NO: 24; one B7 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 7, and SEQ ID NO: 23; and one B44 binder selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 9, and SEQ ID NO: 24

TABLE 1 SEQ HLA TYPE SEQ HLA TYPE ID SEQUENCE BOUND ID SEQUENCE BOUND 2 A EVLPLATF B44 15 Y YVVGARTF A24 3 A EV R PLATF B44 16 Y LGASVLGL A2 4 R PLATFVRRL B7 17 LT M VIASIIK A11 5 AL M GSGAWGL A2 18 CV M RYAVVQK A11 6 Y LARCALFV A2 19 VS D LTDLQPY A1 7 R PRRLVQLL B7 20 FL M FMCHHAV A2 8 NT M KFISLGK A11 and A3 21 ST D LCSLCY A1 9 VE M LRSFFY B44 22 CY M DMENKLF A24 10 Y LLRSFFYV A2 23 R PHLTHAKTF B7 11 YV Y ETTFQK A3 24 A EVQSDYSSY B44 12 Y LFFY M KSV A2 25 RL M CHSLFL A2 13 Y LFFYRKSV A2 26 QT Y CTNIYK A3 14 FY M KSVWSKL A24 27 QL Y FHQQVWK A3 Bold and underline denotes residue altered from wild type human telomerase sequence Nucleic Acids

In certain embodiments, described herein, are nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides and altered telomerase polypeptides described herein. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid is a plasmid. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid is a viral vector. In certain embodiments, the viral vector is an adenovirus, lentivirus, retrovirus, adeno associated virus, or vaccinia virus. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises RNA. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid encodes any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 55. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid encodes any polypeptide embodiment described herein. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid is expressed via a universal promoter such as the CMV promoter. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid is expressed via a tissue specific promoter. In certain embodiments, the tissue specific promoter is a B cell specific promoter. In certain embodiments, the tissue specific promoter is the immunoglobulin promoter/enhancer.

T Cell Helper Epitope

In certain embodiments, any of the compositions described herein, comprise a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, any of the polypeptides described herein, comprise a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, any of the treatment methods described herein, comprise administering an altered telomerase polypeptide in conjunction with a T cell helper epitope. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is a promiscuous binder and binds more than one human MHC Class II HLA type. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a non-human polypeptide derived from a virus, bacteria, or parasite. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises an artificial sequence. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a chimeric sequence from a plurality of antigens. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises any of the SEQ IDs listed in Table 2. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises any of SEQ ID NO:30 to SEQ ID NO: 55. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope comprises a sequence from the tetanus toxoid protein. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. In certain embodiments, the T cell helper epitope is inserted into telomerase in such a way a to destroy the telomerase activity.

TABLE 2 SEQ ID SEQUENCE SOURCE 30 QYIKANSKFIGITE Tetanus Toxoid 31 AKFVAAWTLKAAA Artificial 32 EKKIAKMEKASSVFNVVNS Malaria 33 IEKKIAKMEKASSVFNVVNS Malaria 34 DIEKKIAKMEKASSVFNVVNS Malaria 35 DIEKKIAKMEKASSVFNVVN Malaria 36 DIEKKIAKMEKASSVFNVV Malaria 37 DIEKKIAKMEKASSVFNV Malaria 38 ILMQYIKANSKFIGI Chimeric- tetanus toxoid; diphtheria toxoid 39 QSIALSSLMVAQAIP Chimeric- tetanus toxoid; diphtheria toxoid 40 ILMQYIKANSKFIGIPMGLPQ Chimeric- tetanus toxoid; SIALSSLMVAQ diphtheria toxoid 41 ILMQYIKANSKFIGIKVSRQS Chimeric- tetanus toxoid; IALSSLMVAQ diphtheria toxoid 42 KVLVLNPSVAATLGF Hepatitis C virus 43 PTHFKYHEKHYYNAQ BK Virus 44 LFVVYRDSIPHAACH Human papilloma virus 45 GLYNLLIRCLRCQKP Human papilloma virus 46 GKTVWFVPSIKAGND Dengue virus 47 MYFHRRDLRLASNAI Dengue virus 48 VERLKRMAISGDDCVVK Dengue virus 49 ANAIFKLTYQNKVVKVQ Dengue virus 50 ASIAARGYISTRVGM Dengue virus 51 DENPYKTWAYHGSYEVK Dengue virus 52 EAAAIFMTATPPGTA Dengue virus 53 MVTQMAMTDTTPFGQQR Dengue virus 54 KKRNLTIMDLHPGSG Dengue virus 55 LSEJKGVIVHRLEGV Measles virus Antigen Presenting Cells

In certain embodiments, described herein, telomerase polypeptides, form a complex with HLA molecules on the surface of antigen presenting cells. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide comprises a SEQ ID set forth in SEQ ID NOs:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, described herein, 8-10 contiguous amino acids derived from an altered telomerase polypeptide by cellular processing, form a complex with one or more HLA molecules on the surface of antigen presenting cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell encounters the telomerase polypeptide in vivo after the polypeptide has been administered to an individual. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is added to antigen presenting cells ex vivo. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell has been treated ex vivo to activate its antigen presenting capacity. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell has been treated with interferon gamma, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), colony-stimulating factor, a TLR ligand, lipopolysaccharide, CpG oligonucleotide, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises a macrophage. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises an artificial antigen presenting cell.

Immunological Adjuvants

In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter that comprise an altered telomerase polypeptide and an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter that comprise any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 29 and an immunological adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises an adjuvant currently used in vaccination. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant is mineral salt. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises alum salt. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises aluminum phosphate or aluminum hydroxide. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises Quil A or saponin QS-21. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises N-acetyl muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine, also called MDP. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises IFA, Montanide, Adjuvant 65, and Lipovant. In certain embodiments, the adjuvant comprises a cytokine such as interferon gamma or GM-CSF.

Toll-Like Receptor Ligands

In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter that comprise an altered telomerase polypeptide and a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand, a STING agonist, or RIG-I agonist. In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter that comprise any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 29 and a TLR ligand. In certain embodiments, the TLR ligand is LPS or a CpG oligonucleotide. In certain embodiments, the TLR ligand activates signaling through any one of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, or TLR9. In certain embodiments, the STING agonist comprises a cyclic dinucleotide. In certain embodiments, the RIG-1 agonist comprises a 5′ppp-dsRNA.

Pharmaceutically Acceptable Vehicles, Carrier and Excipients

In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter that comprise an altered telomerase polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, or excipient. In certain embodiments, described herein, are compositions of matter that comprise any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 29 and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier, or excipient comprises a pH buffer or pH modifier. In certain embodiments, the pH buffer or pH modifier comprises sodium bicarbonate, HEPES, MOPS, MEPES, phosphate buffer, succinate buffer, citric acid, ascorbic acid, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient comprises a salt solution. In certain embodiments, the salt solution comprises sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, hemin chloride, benzethonium chloride, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient comprises a carbohydrate. In certain embodiments, the carbohydrate comprises sucrose, dextrose, trehalose, lactose, cellulose, sorbitol, galactose, dextran, xanthan, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient comprises an amino acid or protein. In certain embodiments, the amino acid or protein comprises gelatin, egg protein, yeast extract, glutamate, albumin. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient comprises an emulsifier. In certain embodiments, the emulsifier comprises octylphenol ethoxylate (Triton X-100), polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), sodium deoxy cholate, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient comprises a chelator. In certain embodiments, the chelator comprises ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid sodium (EDTA), EGTA, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient comprises a liposome. In certain embodiments, the liposome comprises a phospholipid, such as, for example, phosphatidylcholine. The liposome can be multilamellar or unilamellar.

Routes of Administration

In certain embodiments, the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the current disclosure can be administered in a variety of ways. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are delivered via a subcutaneous or intradermal injection. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides can be administered by electroporation. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are delivered via an intra-tumor injection. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are delivered via injection to the spleen or lymph nodes. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are delivered bound to the HLA of an antigen presenting cell by intravenous administration. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acids of the current disclosure can be administered by transfection. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acids of the current disclosure can be administered by electroporation. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acids of the current disclosure can be administered by transfection of an antigen presenting cell ex vivo. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the altered telomerase polypeptides can be used in conjunction with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or NK cells. In certain embodiments, the CAR-T cells are specific for a telomerase peptide set forth is SE ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27. In certain embodiments, the CAR-NK cells are specific for a telomerase peptide set forth is SE ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27.

In certain embodiments, antigen presenting cells are isolated from an individual with cancer, the antigen presenting cell is transfected ex vivo with a nucleic acid encoding any of the altered telomerase polypeptides of the present disclosure, and then administered to the individual. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is transfected by a lipid transfection reagent. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is transfected by electroporation. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is transfected by a viral vector. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell is transfected spontaneously without the aid of a specific transfection reagent. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises a B cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises a dendritic cell. In certain embodiments, the antigen presenting cell comprises a macrophage. In certain embodiments, 1×10⁵ to 5×10⁶ of the transfected antigen presenting cells are administered to an individual. In certain embodiments, at least 1×10⁵ of the transfected antigen presenting cells are administered to an individual. In certain embodiments, at least 1×10⁶ of the transfected antigen presenting cells are administered to an individual.

Schedules and Method of Administration

In certain embodiments, described herein, are methods of treating cancer using the polypeptides or nucleotides of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, any of the polypeptides or nucleotides are administered once to an individual in need. In certain embodiments, any of the polypeptides or nucleotides are administered twice to an individual in need. In certain embodiments, any of the polypeptides or nucleotides are administered three times to an individual in need. In certain embodiments, any of the polypeptides or nucleotides are administered four times or more to an individual in need. In certain embodiments, individuals are primed with one polypeptide and boosted with the same polypeptide. In certain embodiments, individuals are primed with one polypeptide and boosted with a different polypeptide. In certain embodiments, individuals are primed with a nucleic acid and boosted with a polypeptide. In certain embodiments, doses are given once a week, once every two weeks, once a month, or once a year. In certain embodiments, the interval between doses is at least one month. In certain embodiments, the interval between doses is at least two months. In certain embodiments, individuals who have responded to the treatment are given annual or semi-annual booster doses.

Method of Preparation of a Cancer Treatment

In certain embodiments, described herein, are methods of producing polypeptides comprising SEQ ID NO:2 to SEQ ID NO: 27, and altered telomerase polypeptides. In certain embodiments, are methods that comprise preparing any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 55. The polypeptides of this disclosure can be produced by techniques know in the art. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are synthesized. In certain embodiments, the polypeptides are expressed in a suitable expression system and purified using standard techniques such as filtration, precipitation, chromatography, centrifugation, or any combination thereof.

Cancers

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein, are for use in treating an individual with cancer. In certain embodiments, the individual has any stage of histologically confirmed cancer. In certain embodiments, the individual is at risk of developing cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is telomerase positive. In certain embodiments, the cancer is any cancer that has been shown to have telomerase activity or elevated levels of telomerase. Elevated levels of telomerase activity can be shown by TRAP assay, or elevations in telomerase mRNA or protein levels. In certain embodiments, the cancer is caused by a mutation in the telomerase promoter region. In certain embodiments, the cancer is associated with a mutation in the telomerase promoter region. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a solid tumor. In certain embodiments, the cancer is hematological. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a brain cancer. In certain embodiments, the brain cancer is a glioblastoma. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a liver cancer. In certain embodiments, the liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. In certain embodiments, the cancer is of the urogenital system. In certain embodiments, the urogenital system cancer is bladder cancer. In certain embodiments, the urogenital system cancer is prostate cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is kidney cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is thyroid cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, stomach cancer, or brain cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a blood cancer such as a leukemia or myeloma. In certain embodiments, the blood cancer is chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, or multiple myeloma.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are meant to be illustrative and do not serve to limit the invention described herein.

Example 1 A Clinical Trial for Bladder Cancer Using B Cells transfected with Plasmid Expressing an Altered Telomerase Polypeptide

A clinical trial will be conducted for patients with a telomerase specific cancer such as bladder/urothelial cancer. The primary efficacy endpoint will be the percentage survivorship 24 months post treatment. The treatment will be with a B cell population transfected with a nucleic acid plasmid encoding an altered telomerase corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 28 or 29. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be isolated from each patient, spontaneously transfected ex vivo with plasmid DNA, and cultured for 24 hours under cell type appropriate culture conditions. After this culture period patients will be injected intravenously with 1×10⁵ to 5×10⁶ of their own B cells in an autologous transfer. Patients will be administered a total of three treatments 1 month apart.

Example 2 Immunization of Patients with Melanoma Using an Altered Telomerase Polypeptide

One mg of an altered telomerase polypeptide will be administered subcutaneously or intradermally to patients with melanoma. The altered telomerase polypeptide will be prepared with an immunological adjuvant. Patients will be administered a total of three treatments one month apart.

Example 3 Immunization of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Plasmid DNA in Conjunction with Electroporation

100 micrograms of a plasmid encoding an altered telomerase peptide will be administered intradermally at ten different sites on the patient using electroporation. A total of one milligram will be administered.

Example 4 Delivering a Booster Dose Via a Viral Vector

A booster dosage of a viral vector will be administered to a person previously immunized with nucleic acid or peptide. The viral vector will encode a polypeptide corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 28 or SEQ ID NO: 29 or any other polypeptide disclosed herein. The booster will occur at least one month after the initial immunization.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention.

SEQ ID NO: 1 Wild type human telomerase         10         20          30         40         50 MPRAPRCRAV RSLLRSHYRE  VLPLATFVRR LGPQGWRLVQ RGDPAAFRAL         60         70          80         90        100 VAQCLVCVPW DARPPPAAPS  FRQVSCLKEL VARVLQRLCE RGAKNVLAFG        110        120         130        140        150 FALLDGARGG PPEAFTTSVR  SYLPNTVTDA LRGSGAWGLL LRRVGDDVLV        160        170         180        190        200 HLLARCALFV LVAPSCAYQV  CGPPLYQLGA ATQARPPPHA SGPRRRLGCE        210        220         230        240        250 RAWNHSVREA GVPLGLPAPG  ARRRGGSASR SLPLPKRPRR GAAPEPERTP        260        270         280        290        350 VGQGSWAHPG RTRGPSDRGF  CVVSPARPAE EATSLEGALS GTRHSHPSVG        310        320         330        340        350 RQHHAGPPST SRPPRPWDTP  CPPVYAETKH FLYSSGDKEQ LRPSFLLSSL        360        370         380        390        400 RPSLTGARRL VETIFLGSRP  WMPGTPRRLP RLPQRYWQMR PLFLELLGNH        410        420         430        440        450 AQCPYGVLLK THCPLRAAVT  PAAGVCAREK PQGSVAAPEE EDTDPRRLVQ        460        470         480        490        500 LLRQHSSPWQ VYGFVRACLR  RLVPPGLWGS RHNERRFLRN TKKFISLGKH        510        520         530        540        550 AKLSLQELTW KMSVRDCAWL  RRSPGVGCVP AAEHRLREEI LAKFLHWLMS        560        570         580        590        600 VYVVELLRSF FYVTETTFQK  NRLFFYRKSV WSKLQSIGIR QHLKRVQLRE        610        620         630        640        650 LSEAEVRQHR EARPALLTSR  LRFIPKPDGL RPIVNMDYVV GARTFRREKR        660        670         680        690        700 AERLTSRVKA LFSVLNYERA  RRPGLLGASV LGLDDIHRAW RTFVLRVRAQ        710        720         730        740        750 DPPPELYFVK VDVTGAYDTI  PQDRLTEVIA SIIKPQNTYC VRRYAVVQKA        760        770         780        790        800 AHGHVRKAFK SHVSTLTDLQ  PYMRQFVAHL QETSPLRDAV VIEQSSSLNE        810        820         830        840        850 ASSGLFDVFL RFMCHHAVRI  RGKSYVQCQG IPQGSILSTL LCSLCYGDME        860        870         880        890        900 NKLFAGIRRD GLLLRLVDDF  LLVTPHLTHA KTFLRTLVRG VPEYGCVVNL        910        920         930        940        950 RKTVVNFPVE DEALGGTAFV  QMPAHGLFPW CGLLLDTRTL EVQSDYSSYA        960        970         980        990       1000 RTSIRASLTF NRGFKAGRNM  RRKLFGVLRL KCHSLFLDLQ VNSLQTVCTN       1010       1020        1030       1040       1050 IYKILLLQAY RFHACVLQLP  FHQQVWKNPT FFLRVISDTA SLCYSILKAK       1060       1070        1080       1090       1100 NAGMSLGAKG AAGPLPSEAV  QWLCHQAFLL KLTRHRVTYV PLLGSLRTAQ       1110        112        1130 TQLSRKLPGT TLTALEAAAN  PALPSDFKTI LD SEQ ID NO: 28 Altered human telomemse variant 1         10         20          30         40         50 MPRAPRCRAV RSLLRSHYAE  VRPLATFVRR LGPQGWRLVQ RGDPAAFRAL         60         70          80         90        100 VAQCLVCVPW DARPPPAAPS  FRQVSCLKEL VARVLQRLCE RGAKNVLAFG        110        120         130        140        150 FALLDGARGG PPEAFTTSVR  SYLPNTVTDA LMGSGAWGLL LRRVGDDVLV        160        170         180        190        200 HLLARCALFV LVAPSCAYQV  CGPPLYQLGA ATQARPPPHA SGPRRRLGCE        210        220         230        240        250 RAWNHSVREA GVPLGLPAPG  ARRRGGSASR SLPLPKRPRR GAAPEPERTP        260        270         280        290        350 VGQGSWAHPG RTRGPSDRGF  CVVSPARPAE EATSLEGALS GTRHSHPSVG        310        320         330        340        350 RQHHAGPPST SRPPRPWDTP  CPPVYAETKH FLYSSGDKEQ LRPSFLLSSL        360        370         380        390        400 RPSLTGARRL VETIFLGSRP  WMPGTPRRLP RLPQRYWQMR PLFLELLGNH        410        420         430        440        450 AQCPYGVLLK THCPLRAAVT  PAAGVCAREK PQGSVAAPEE EDTRPRRLVQ        460        470         480        490        500 LLRQHSSPWQ VYGFVRACLR  RLVPPGLWGS RHNERRFLRN TMKFISLGKH        510        520         530        540        550 AKLSLQELTW KMSVRDCAWL  RRSPGVGCVP AAEHRLREEI LAKFLHWLMS        560        570         580        590        600 VYVVEMLRSF FYVYETTFQK  NYLFFYMKSV WSKLQSIGIR QHLKRVQLRE        610        620         630        640        650 LSEAEVRQHR EARPALLTSR  LRFIPKPDGL RPIVNMYYVV GARTFRREKR        660        670         680        690        700 AERLTSRVKA LFSVLNYERA  RRPGYLGASV LGLDDIHRAW RTFVLRVRAQ        710        720         730        740        750 DPPPELYFVK VDVTGAYDTI  PQDRLTMVIA SIIKPQNTYC VMRYAVVQKA        760        770         780        790        800 AHGHVRKAFK SHVSDLTDLQ  PYMRQFVAHL QETSPLRDAV VIEQSSSLNE        810        820         830        840        850 ASSGLFDVFL MFMCHHAVRI  RGKSYVQCQG IPQGSILSTD LCSLCYMDME        860        870         880        890        900 NKLFAGIRRD GLLLRLQYIK ANSKEFIGITE LFLLVRPHLT HAKTFLRTLV        910        920         930        940        950 RGVPEYGCVV NLRKTVVNFP  VEDEALGGTA FVQMPAHGLF PWCGLLLDTR        960        970         980        990       1000 TAEVQSDYSS YARTSIRASL  TFNRGFKAGR NMRRKLFGVL RLMCHSLFLD       1010       1020        1030       1040       1050 LQVNSLQTYC TNIYKILLLQ  AYRFHACVLQ LYFHQQVWKN PTFFLRVISD       1060       1070        1080       1090       1100 TASLCYSILK AKNAGMSLGA  KGAAGPLPSE AVQWLCHQAF LLKLTRHRVT       1110        112        1130       1140 YVPLLGSLRT AQTQLSRKLP  GTTLTALEAA ANPALPSDFK TILD SEQ ID NO: 29 Altered human telomemse variant 2         10         20          30         40         50 MPRAPRCRAV RSLLRSHYAE  VRPLATFVRR LGPQGWRLVQ RGDPAAFRAL         60         70          80         90        100 VAQCLVCVPW DARPPPAAPS  FRQVSCLKEL VARVLQRLCE RGAKNVLAFG        110        120         130        140        150 FALLDGARGG PPEAFTTSVR  SYLPNTVTDA LMGSGAWGLL LRRVGDDVLV        160        170         180        190        200 HLLARCALFV LVAPSCAYQV  CGPPLYQLGA ATQARPPPHA SGPRRRLGCE        210        220         230        240        250 RAWNHSVREA GVPLGLPAPG  ARRRGGSASR SLPLPKRPRR GAAPEPERTP        260        270         280        290        350 VGQGSWAHPG RTRGPSDRGF  CVVSPARPAE EATSLEGALS GTRHSHPSVG        310        320         330        340        350 RQHHAGPPST SRPPRPWDTP  CPPVYAETKH FLYSSGDKEQ LRPSFLLSSL        360        370         380        390        400 RPSLTGARRL VETIFLGSRP  WMPGTPRRLP RLPQRYWQMR PLFLELLGNH        410        420         430        440        450 AQCPYGVLLK THCPLRAAVT  PAAGVCAREK PQGSVAAPEE EDTRPRRLVQ        460        470         480        490        500 LLRQHSSPWQ VYGFVRACLR  RLVPPGLWGS RHNERRFLRN TMKFISLGKH        510        520         530        540        550 AKLSLQELTW KMSVRDCAWL  RRSPGVGCVP AAEHRLREEI LAKFLHWLMS        560        570         580        590        600 VYVVYLLRSF FYVYETTFQK  NYLFFYMKSV WSKLQSIGIR QHLKRVQLRE        610        620         630        640        650 LSEAEVRQHR EARPALLTSR  LRFIPKPDGL RPIVNMYYVV GARTFRREKR        660        670         680        690        700 AERLTSRVKA LFSVLNYERA  RRPGYLGASV LGLDDIHRAW RTFVLRVRAQ        710        720         730        740        750 DPPPELYFVK VDVTGAYDTI  PQDRLTMVIA SIIKPQNTYC VMRYAVVQKA        760        770         780        790        800 AHGHVRKAFK SHVSDLTDLQ  PYMRQFVAHL QETSPLRDAV VIEQSSSLNE        810        820         830        840        850 ASSGLFDVFL MFMCHHAVRI  RGKSYVQCQG IPQGSILSTD LCSLCYMDME        860        870         880        890        900 NKLFAGIRRD GLLLRLQYIK ANSKEFIGITE LFLLVRPHLT HAKTFLRTLV        910        920         930        940        950 RGVPEYGCVV NLRKTVVNFP  VEDEALGGTA FVQMPAHGLF PWCGLLLDTR        960        970         980        990       1000 TAEVQSDYSS YARTSIRASL  TFNRGFKAGR NMRRKLFGVL RLMCHSLFLD       1010       1020        1030       1040       1050 LQVNSLQTYC TNIYKILLLQ  AYRFHACVLQ LYFHQQVWKN PTFFLRVISD       1060       1070        1080       1090       1100 TASLCYSILK AKNAGMSLGA  KGAAGPLPSE AVQWLCHQAF LLKLTRHRVT       1110        112        1130       1140 YVPLLGSLRT AQTQLSRKLP  GTTLTALEAA ANPALPSDFK TILD 

What is claimed is:
 1. An altered human telomerase polypeptide with at least 98% identity to the sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 28 or 29, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide is not identical to SEQ ID NO:
 1. 2. The altered human telomerase polypeptide of claim 1, wherein the altered human telomerase polypeptide comprises an insertion of a non-human T cell helper epitope into the polypeptide sequence of the altered human telomerase, wherein the non-human T cell helper epitope binds more than one human class II HLA type.
 3. The altered human telomerase polypeptide of claim 1 encoded by a polynucleotide.
 4. The altered human telomerase polynucleotide of claim 3, wherein the polynucleotide comprises ribonucleic acid (RNA).
 5. The altered human telomerase polypeptide of claim 1, wherein at least eight contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide are bound to a cell surface human leukocyte antigen of an antigen presenting cell.
 6. The altered human telomerase polypeptide of claim 1, further comprising an immunological adjuvant. 